A happy student at Hammersmith Academy
Smiling students spilled out of Hammersmith Academy onto leafy Cathnor Road chattering with delight at their GCSE achievements.
In all, 75 per cent of students achieved five GCSEs at A*-C equivalent, 65 per cent achieved five A*-C including English and Maths. Across all students there were 100 A*s or equivalent (compared to last year’s 50) and 166 A grades.
One of those contributed to those great figures was Natalie Brindle: who is looking towards a future life in politics.
The confident 16-year-old – “I’ve always been an over-achiever” - wants to shake up the education system and has achieved the right grades to help her.
A grade 9 in English language and 8s in both English literature and maths were bolstered by six As, two Bs, a C and a distinction in BTEC ICT.
“I feel pretty good,” she said, “I didn’t do as well in science as I had hoped, but everything else is good. It’s a relief to get it all done with.”
Natalie will head to University College School in Hampstead and hopes to go on a study law and politics.
Shepherds Bush student Youssef Awadalla, 16, leaves the academy with five As, four Bs, a 9 in maths, 8 in English literature and 7 in English language.
“I feel good,” said Youssef, “Obviously I did well. With those results I can go wherever I want pretty much.”
However, for now, he will be staying on at the academy’s sixth form to do maths and all the sciences.
“I want to get a good job and make my family proud. It’s what they want and it’s what I want.”
He hopes to become a surgeon.
Jamel Lawrence, 16, has the world at his feet, but is eyeing up a career in design.
The youngster from Fulham was ‘ecstatic’ with his five A*s, five As and a B, but was very cool about what would happen next. A range of other career ideas, including being a music producer, or a teacher were all being considered.
“I was really nervous,” he said, “You think of certain expectations that you had, that you think you need to meet, but I was able to.”
A highlight result for Jamel was getting an A* in a French aural exam that was particularly tough.
Headteacher Gary Kynaston said: “It’s been stunning. The students have done really well.
“We’re really pleased with the set of results, especially the new specification English and maths so I’m really proud of how the teachers have prepared the students to do the more tough GCSEs.
“There’s been some remarkable results.”
